Valbuena and The European Bee-eater
April 2020 we stop to watch and photograph a group of European Bee-eater near Palencia in Spain. The spot was near their breeding site.
Blue Tits and Black Redstarts
Blue Tits leave nest box with no preliminary exploration of the world they are entering. Black Redstarts have the opportunity to explore, but are vulnerable to other dangers.
Eurasian Jays and Azure-winged Magpies
Watching the behaviour of Jays in UK and Azure-winged Magpies in Monfragüe (Spain) struck by their beauty and intelligence.
Spring Diet of the Eurasian Nuthatch
Nuthatch returning with caterpillars to feed young
Tawny Owls and Nest Boxes
Discusses design and location of Tawny Owl nest boxes, and success in attracting owls to use them.
Tierra de Campos
Travelling through Tierra de Campos, see Lesser Kestrels and Great Bustards.
Red Kites and Black Kites
Aid to Identification Prompted by Tom Hartwell’s beautiful video of the courtship display of Red Kites in UK, I looked at some of our photos of Kites in Spain and Portugal. It reminded me of the challenge we sometimes have distinguishing between the Red and the Black Kite. https://www.woodlands.co.uk/tv/2020/04/red-kites/ During the winter months there should…
The Eurasian Nuthatch – Nesting and Territorial Behaviour
Nuthatches are an important part of our birding life. We watch them in our garden in Portugal, and in Woodcock Wood. They have taken to nest boxes in both places, and we have watched a pair raise young through the intimacy of a nest box camera. I have recently finished Eric Matthysen’s “The Nuthatches” (1998,…